Research Profile

Sunday, 3 November 2013

In the war against antibiotic-resistant bacteria we need patient city investors

Medical researchers, particularly in London, are making real inroads into understanding how bacteria work, evolve and become resistant. These painstaking studies take years – sometimes decades – to conclude, but offer up exciting opportunities for the development of new treatments.

But Marc Sidwell's article highlights very real concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and calls for more openness in regulation, to ensure technological advancement from research discovery.

But we should not kid ourselves that the war on bacterial infection will ever be won simply by revising our approach to regulation.

What is holding back the translation of those discoveries into treatments is the lack of long-term finance required for development. Its long term and high risk, but if we are to exploit the fruits of biomedical research for the benefits of patients, we need patient investors.

Scientists around the world are dedicating their lives to understanding disease - but need financial and commercial experts to help them deliver new treatments for patients. Where better than London to launch a new campaign to develop such treatments? The question is - are City investors ready to step up?